Mock Emergency Alert – Day 6: Natural Disaster: Wild fires – EVACUATE!
Scenario: In today’s challenge , we’re confronted with a scenario that emphasizes the unpredictability of natural disasters, and one that has touched millions of people in the last few years – in Alberta, BC, Ontario and Quebec, New York, California, Washington, Oregon and other areas: raging wild fires. This summer has been unprecedented in the devastation.
Our Scenario: Natural Disaster – Wildfire Evacuation and 72-Hour Kit Survival
Imagine this harrowing situation: An out-of-control wildfire, fueled by fierce winds, unexpectedly changes direction and races toward your town. You have mere minutes to evacuate, leaving behind your home. Today, you’ll rely on your 72-hour kit for sustenance. It’s a stark reminder of the critical role preparedness plays in our lives and how quickly circumstances can change.
As we navigate this scenario together, let’s discuss our experiences, lessons learned, and any advice we can offer for coping with evacuations and relying on emergency supplies. The comments section is where we come together as a community to share, support, and strengthen our preparedness.
Goal: Test your family’s evacuation plan, 72 hour kit and portable emergency foods
Today’s Tasks
- Evacuate your house within 15 minutes of reading today’s challenge. You do not know if your house will be destroyed while you are gone so plan accordingly. Stay away until after lunchtime.
- Eat/drink ONLY out of your 72 hour kits until you return home
- While you are out, make a list of potential reasons you could be forced to evacuate.
For each scenario, write down where you would go, what type of stuff you would need in your kits, how long you’d be gone, etc. Use this list to re-evaluate what you may or may not include in your kits. - Don’t have a 72 hour kit? This challenge will convince you how important that is.
- You’ll want to make a list of all of your valuables to submit to your insurance company since your house was destroyed while you were gone (this is more valuable to have BEFORE you actually lose everything). In the spring of 2023 we lost a cabin we’d been renovating for three years. We did not have a list of things in it, just in our memories and a few snap shots. Big regrets with that.
- Using the daily report card, make a list of things you could do and buy to minimize your losses in a complete house loss (i.e. Fireproof-waterproof safe, computer backup options, safety deposit box for valuables, etc.)
SHARING TIME: Post a picture or description of one of your 72 hour kit meals in our facebook group or in the blog comments
Today’s Limitations
- For this day, and ALL days of the challenge: no spending money, no going to stores, and no restaurants.
- You can’t eat or drink anything besides what is in your 72 hour kits until dinnertime.
- You must stay away from home until after lunch.
Advanced Tasks because you’re a super hero:
- Eat out of your 72 hour kits for dinner too.
- Evacuate overnight using only supplies from your disaster kit.
- *Contact your insurance company and find out details about what would be covered in a total loss situation like this.
Things to know:
- An Evacuation Order means You are at risk and must leave the area immediately. This is a mandatory evacuation enforced by local authorities. The evacuation order may be issued without a preceding alert, if there isn’t enough warning.
- Alerts and orders are distributed by local authorities to their communities through tools like posters, flyers and door-to-door notices. Widespread evacuation alerts and evacuation orders will be broadcast through Alert Ready systems on radio, television and compatible wireless devices.
- Evacuation alerts and orders will instruct you where to go. These areas are called assembly points and reception centres. You may also get information on which routes to avoid or use. Be sure your family emergency plan identifies exit routes from your neighbourhood and don’t forget to bring your 72-hour emergency kit.
- When you arrive at the assembly point or reception centre be sure to register yourself and family. You will then be directed to a shelter or other resources.
- When an evacuation warning alert is issued, get ready to leave by gathering your family, emergency kit and necessities for travel. Be ready to go if an evacuation is ordered.
- If you decide to leave before an evacuation order, let your emergency contacts know your plan. If an evacuation order is issued after you have left, or you were away from home during an emergency, check in with authorities as instructed. This prevents unnecessary worry as to your family’s safety and whereabouts.
Why a Emergency Evacuation Kit?
You must be prepared to be self-sufficient (you and your household) for a minimum of 72 hours without power, running water, or the ability to purchase anything. You cannot expect anyone to be responsible for your safety and comfort if you have ignored your own responsibility for those very important things.
Don’t count on being home when an emergency occurs. Natural disasters are rarely convenient. Create grab-and-go bags for your home, workplace and vehicle.
What is the difference between an Emergency Evacuation Kit – a Bug Out Bag – a 72 Hour Kit – a Grab’n’Go Bag?
Nothing. Call it whatever you want, they’re pretty much the same things. Often a Grab’n’Go Bag refers to something you might carry in your vehicle with you just in case.
What should be IN my 72 hour kit?
You will need basic supplies for every member of your household. Put essential items like food, water and medication in one bag. This makes it easy to locate when the power is out and easy to grab and go in case you have to leave your home quickly.
- a 3-day supply of water. Estimate 2 Litres per person per day.
- 3-day supply of non-perishable food for all family members and pets.
- First-aid kit.
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
- Wind-up or battery-powered radio (with extra batteries).
- Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses.
- Prescriptions or special medications.
- Car keys, credit cards and cash.
- Garbage bags, moist towelettes and sanitation supplies.
- Chargers for cellphones and electronic communication devices.
- Seasonal clothing and footwear for each family member.
click here to see a suggested list from the Yukon government
click here for a suggested vehicle grab n go bag list
* In the event that you get separated from family members, have a PLAN ready and understood about where you’re going, and how to reunite.
REMEMBER, TOMORROW’S CHALLENGE WILL BE DIFFERENT.
Don’t forget to fill out today’s REPORT CARD to see how well you did, and to keep track of areas you can improve in.
7 Day Challenge REPORT CARD
Today we focused on what to do when faced with the VERY REAL likelihood that you might experience what tens of thousands of people experienced – this year in particular – Evacuation in the case of a Natural Disaster. You must be prepared for the unthinkable – to come back to NO house. Many do. It is a terrible reality. Don’t delude yourself about it never happening to you. Why not you?
Goal: Learn what its like to leave home with only what you can carry, and be able to take care of yourself and your family without your familiar surroundings and comforts.
Today’s Evaluation Questions to ask Yourself
- How’d you do?
- Did you already have an existing 72 hour kit? Was it helpful? What kinds of meals did you have in it? Could you feed those meals to your family while sitting on a gym floor somewhere?
- If you didn’t have a 72 hour kit, how do you feel about that now?
- What kinds of non food items would you like to add to your 72 hour kit?
- What kinds of foods would you like to include in it?
- Have you ever been evacuated before? Or been on evacuation alert? How did that influence your preparedness level afterward?
- Does this simulation give you a little more empathy for those who lived it?
- What kind of changes would you make to your preparedness plan after having spent a whole day up close and personal with an evacuation simulation?
Daily Notes
Cindy, Karen and Linda